“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."Choices inundate our lives. There are days where life seems to stroll along uncomplicated, refreshing, and comfortable. Then for some odd reason a bramble in our paths adds a new dimension. An altered reality forces us to take a stand, make a choice, and walk towards a new direction. Most of us at this point thither uneasily and waver onwards wondering which path would leave less imprints on our already complicated lives.Usually we are stumbling, gradually hoping that this new adventure will bypass us, setting its hopes on another victim leaving us in the dust. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case, and we must hit this casualty head on before it engulfs us. It is an uncomfortable, new; yet, unbeaten path to travel. Saddly, the longer we procrastinate in embracing this escapade, the longer we instill the infliction of its consequence for negligence. We contribute to our own misery longing for that comfortable spot that once made us feel nurtured and secured.Matthew says do not enter through that wide gate that holds everyone else captive. Don't follow the misguided steps of everyone else! Enter through the narrow gate that most may not see. For it is written, that which you do not choose will choose you, and that which you fear will find you. This is the essence of proper choice. It is the ability to make your wishes known, to let go and stand on new and unfamiliar ground. What we must realize is that choice is a divine teacher. And, we must trust God in knowing that nothing is ever put in our path without reason. When we chose to follow the path God has laid out for us it is because that choice holds a lesson for us. If we stand still wrapped in our blanket of comfort, we miss the divine opportunity to develop our intuition and obey the whisperings of our heart. God teaches us to listen, and therefore, we must obey.The consequences of our choices or failures teaches us to live in harmony with our self. Our self is always guiding and protecting us. It is up to us to listen to that inner voice that is prodding us towards the correct direction. The willingness to make these choices is another way of demonstrating that we are willing to find new ways of living in happiness before we are forced to do it. We are choosing to grow. The Holy Spirit will bring this lesson lovingly and gently guiding us through that narrow gate.Daily Guidance1. Remind yourself in your morning prayers this week that there is only one power and presence operating in your mind, God.2. Realize that God's truth now fills every aspect of your being as you pray.3. Ask that God's truth, peace, and wisdom be revealed at every choice you make.4. Ask God to wrap you in his love and sustain you until the answer is revealed.5. Know that silence is not a choice, unconscious choice wins by default, and what is resisted will persist.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. "Dear Lord,Embrace me this week, wrapped in your love, to see my life with a cup that is half full and not half empty. Open my eyes to the many blessing bestowed by your mindful eye as I go about my days. Let me live in glory and acceptance knowing full well you have every intention of meeting my every need - every day - every second.Forgive me, Lord, as it is easy for me to lose site of these blessings. It is even easier to notice others who seem to be blessed with more. Deep inside, I know I am not privy to their deep despairs as they trudge through their own lives. Yet, I know it is remotely human to want and desire all things I am unable to acquire. Help me realize, Lord, you have filled my cup with all my yearnings, and may I drink abundantly and thankfully each day.As I wake each day this week, let me begin with morning affirmations reminding myself how truly blessed I am due to your hands........Let me be thankful for:The sense of touch, may I use it more this weekMy health, may I walk in nature more oftenMy family, may I share more special momentsFriends, may I drop the daily drugdery to enjoy myself moreMy community, may I be more grateful for all they doSeasons, may I admire the changesThe Internet where I can connect Freedom and Opportunity to do whatever I desireInspiration to redefine myself dailyAging, may I relish the lessons I've learned in lifeEmployment, having a job today is a blessingSecond chances and getting things rightThe chance to travel and see the world Literacy, being able to read what I loveHaving your bills paid and food on the tableLong weekends to relaxFamily and friends to share this ThanksgivingMuch love God,Me

Monday's BlessingProverbs 13:4"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."

Are you a procrastinator? Are you one of those types that wait till the last minute to get moving? Possibly this may be due to your imminent detest of the task on hand. After all, it could be work, where you feel you don't belong, or perhaps you may be over abused. On the other hand, you may have become inundated with tasks at hand and leave just minutes before your expected arrival time hoping traffic will be on your side this time.Furthermore, how silly we can be when we soon begin praying asking God to "keep us from hitting red lights" or "please don't let me be the last one in" All of this due to the fact we procrastinate and are not on time in seeking our obligations. When you think about it, what ARE we actually waiting for? Why does it take us so long to get moving? Why do we torture ourselves so? One way to gain advantage is to set a time ten minutes prior to the ACTUAL time you should leave and complete ONLY those tasks that are necessary. Leave the rest for when you return. Keep yourself at peace as you do so not becoming overwhelmed.If you are unable to finish everything, then complete those tasks the night before. Finally, during this time, turn your phone down, and do not answer it planning to return the call at a more convenient time. If you are a procrastinator due to being in a situation that is making you unhappy, then it is time to set sail and look for different ports. It is ridiculous to stay in a job where you feel unappreciated especially if it is all due to loyalty. My friends, life is too short. Begin looking for other opportunities if your work place is sucking the life out of you. Despite a rigid economy, you may find peace somewhere else with a little less pay. Would God expect so much out of us that he would keep bleeding us for more? Of course not! Realize it may be time to make a move."The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." Keep this in mind as you pluck through the nuances of life that are debilitating you and making you late. Are they emotional vampires? Sucking out the life's blood as you go on about your day? Is your job becoming overwhelming extending into your family life? Are certain friends calling you all hours of the night and day unleashing their burdens? Then it is time for a change. Don't be a procrastinator in finding happiness in your own life. Find opportunities that will help you want to be on time! Daily Guidance1. Take a good look at your life and your procrastination issues. Could these issues be due to the simple fact you are unhappy? Write down these issues and what is causing you from not being on time.2. Begin by addressing the most important issues. How can you change them? What do you need to do to change them? 3. Arrange each item by priority. Begin with number one. What can you do to ensure your happiness? Is it looking for new work? Finding new friends?4. Systematically begin changing all these issues in your life today. Don't procrastinate any longer. Happiness will be your blessing and being on time your virtue!

Monday's BlessingRomans 12:2"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."With Election Day in our midst, it is expected that our lives may be heightened with a sense of anxiety. After all, these last four years have seen turmoil for most of us, and picking the appropriate leader as we set out on our voter obligations can be a bit tricky. We want to ensure that we understand all the prominent ideas by each, yet are subjected daily to propaganda regarding the other's negative traits. We think of family and friends, and how other's have been subjected to this economic roller coaster, and hope our decision will be the right one.As we decide on our own fate, we are predestined to prayer, asking God to guide our immediate decisions, in hopes of making our great country prosperous again. Futhermore we are subjected to our own families and work obligations in preparation of the upcoming week. Some days there just seems to be too much stress these days. Yet, how do we combat it?Romans states "Do not be conformed to this world." Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. How do we keep from being detached from this world? How do we de stress enough so that we can "discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."? We can begin by recognizing our own needs first. Recognizing our own needs puts us in better harmony with all we love. In order to do so, we must learn to relax, and learning comes easily if you understand Deep Belly Breathing. Deep breathing can clarify your mind, and get you back to center stage quickly. It can be done THROUGHOUT the day, EVERY DAY. Follow the guided steps below and seek peace again.In fact, get yourself some stickers, such as those rounded bingo stickers. Find your favorite color. That rounded marker will be your best friend in upcoming weeks. Begin placing those rounded markers throughout your life. On your dash, computer, kitchen stove, door way, and such will remind you when and where to do your Deep Belly Breathing. This little indicator will make your thoughts shut down for the moment as you begin a few deep breaths. The most amazing thing is this little exercise will bring you immediate relief. Go ahead, give it a shot, and regain clarity.Daily GuidanceDeep Belly Breathing Guided Practice1. Begin by lying in a comfortable position away from family and friends.2. Place one hand on your chest and one on our stomach.3. Breathe, notice if you are a chest breather. If so, you are harboring stress daily and not letting the body let go. Breathe deeper until you feel your stomach rising. This is the essence of Deep Belly Breathing. Take note and breathe this deep when you do the exercise elsewhere.4. Inhale for the count of five and exhale slowly to the count of ten. Breathe in and out slowly, deeply, evenly. 5. Repeat four times.6. During this exercise get a favorite image: a beach, the woods, a field of flowers, Paris. Place yourself there while breathing.7. Imagine the waves or wind taking out the stress each time you exhale depending on your place of choice.*Do this anywhere. When you look at your sticker, and feel stress, begin to breathe and imagine.........